A variety of factors influence height, including activity, nutrition, and genetics. While genetics are the most important factor influencing a person's height, nutrition can help them grow taller. According to research, people who consume certain nutrients grow taller than average.
Vitamins and supplements to boost body height
Genetics is one of the most important factors in determining an individual's height. If both parents are taller than average, the child is likely to be too. Until now, no research has shown that eating certain foods can increase a person's height, but one study suggests that meeting certain nutritional requirements during infancy and toddlerhood can help children reach their optimal height.
All nutrients play an important role in the body, but some nutrients may be particularly beneficial for children's height growth. A large study on children revealed that children with above-average height have a higher intake of certain nutrients, such as:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes bone and tooth growth. Vitamin D can help the body absorb calcium, promoting optimal height growth in children. From the day they are born until they turn one year old, newborns require 400 IU, or 10 mcg, of vitamin D per day.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A promotes bone formation and new bone turnover. Vitamin A supplements can be given to infants as young as four months old and children as old as two years. Vitamin A supplementation is now available through local posyandu services. Vitamin A is beneficial not only for children's height and bone growth but also for endurance and eye health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most essential vitamins for children's development. According to a 2014 article, vitamin E deficiency can lead to growth retardation in children. Vitamin E deficiency is more common in children than in adults, due to their limited vitamin reserves and rapid growth.
Calcium
Calcium is an important component of skeletal tissue that is required for normal growth and bone strength. Adequate calcium supplementation can help children develop strong, flexible bones and promote optimal height growth.
Iron
Iron is an important nutrient for children's height growth. Children who drink breast milk should get enough iron from other sources because breast milk no longer provides enough iron. When your child reaches the age of complementary foods, you can meet the child's iron needs by consuming animal iron such as red meat, seafood, or vegetable iron such as green vegetables and legumes.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the nutrients necessary for children's height development. Children who take zinc supplements on a regular basis and at the recommended dosage gain more height than children who do not. Children can get zinc from red meat, oysters, and zinc-fortified foods.
According to experts, genetics is the most important factor in determining a child's height. Meeting children's nutritional needs, such as providing vitamins and other minerals, can also help to promote optimal growth. If you want to learn more about children's height, consult a doctor.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim